Movie Notes: Me And Orson Welles
= 3 stars
Starring Zac Efron, Christian McKay, Claire Danes
Directed by Richard Linklater
Synopsis
Schoolboy Richard (Zac Efron) lands a small part in a Mercury theater production of Julius Caeser, directed by the infamous Orson Welles (Christian McKay).
The Good
- McKay as a young, pre–Citizen Kane Orson Welles steals the entire show, eerily mimicking the egotistical actor/director/writer’s gravelly voice, larger-than-life presence, and steely determination that everything will work out simply because he deems it so. Also uncannily perfect is James Tupper as Welles associate Joseph Cotten — a few scenes featuring the two characters spookily evoke moments in both Kane and The Third Man.
- After a slow start, things finally come together when we realize Welles’ masterpiece is a disaster, with only Welles’ personality left to pull everything together. One wonders if delusions of grandeur is an essential part of being an effective leader.
- An interesting moment of betrayal adds the right amount of blunt reality, bringing the Orson Welles and Richard’s plot threads together. Ultimately, we see how art can help us cope with life.
The Bad
- Half the film is devoted to the innocent, star-struck Richard (Zac Efron) and his uninteresting wooing of theater admin Sonja(Claire Danes). Richard often serves as an unnecessary “entry point” for today’s audience.
- Nothing remarkable about the direction — was actually surprised to see Linklater’s name attached.
Conclusion
Could have focused on just the Orson Welles character alone, with much less Richard and possibly leaving Sonja on the cutting room floor. Perhaps someone will green-light an Orson Welles biopic starring McKay.
IMDB: Me And Orson Welles
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Rotten Tomatoes: Me And Orson Welles